Arizona politicians are likely to be a target when out radio talk show host Stephanie Miller brings her Sexy Liberal Tour to Phoenix.
Echo movie critic Neil Cohen predicts the winners in the major races for the Academy Awards.
Kyle Dean Massey talks about his role as Fiyero in the touring production of Wicked on stage at ASU Gammage.
Luminous Pariah incorporates self-expression and storytelling in his act coming to The Rock.
A new novelty toy aims to make fun of sexual orientation.
Sarah Hasu, formerly of Tempe, confronts the teen LGBT suicide issue in her first novel, Megume and the Trees.
Terros receives a grant to resume a campaign to prevent alcohol abuse in the LGBT community.
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and his wife Nicole talk about her anti-bullying campaign. PLUS: The mayor reviews the importance of his relationship with the LGBT community.
Letitia Frye gets ready to put on her high heels for her latest effort for an LGBT group at the one n ten Fresh Brunch. PLUS: Event preview.
Dinners held in March will benefit Aunt Rita's Foundation's efforts to help local agencies with HIV/AIDS programs.
Ten drag queens and six drag kings will compete for the titles of Miss and Mister Phoenix Gay Pride.
The Phoenix chapter of the Human Rights Campaign plans an event for LGBT parents and their children.
One Community sponsors the first Healthy Living Expo to be staged as part of the annual Melrose on Seventh Avenue Street Fair.
Two days of workshops will focus on LGBT community organizing.
Activist and blogger Monica Roberts will talk about gender, race and class during an appearance in Tucson.
An incident involving a vendor at a recent bridal show shows that not all businesses are welcoming to same-sex couples.
The LGBT community can be involved when the Arizona Democratic Party selects delegates to the national convention.
Meg Sneed lists ways to become an activst.
Nate Whitten uses lyrics from the musical Wicked to show how athletes can defy gravity.
Melissa Myers and Michael Tucker discuss a study about LGBT hopes and fears about aging.
Tony Felice encourages supporting businesses that support the LGBT community.
Craig Peterson says the Chrysler 300 SRT's stylizing disguises a car that's all about the motor.
Claudine M. Wessel finds upscale bar grub at Old Town Whiskey at The Saguaro resort in Tempe.
Previews of four new movies, including The Secret World of Arrietty and Wanderlust.
Previews of three new local productions: Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps, Coming of the Hurricane and Dead Man's Cell Phone.
On out prince from India has family problems like everyone else. Kurt Niece talks to Prince Manvendra, who is featured in TLC's Undercover Princes.
Stacey Jay Cavaliere reviews three new CDs, including Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan.
Bob Lind reviews the latest Skyler Fox mystery and two other new books.
To mark the state's Centennial, which falls on Valentine's Day, the LGBT community sends a Valentine to Arizona.
An out state representative talks about how he made his home in Arizona and his work in the state Legislature.
The LGBT favorite talks about what fans can expect when she brings her stage show to Phoenix and Tucson.
As she brings her show Songs My Mother Taught Me to Mesa, Judy Garland's daughter talks about her mother's legacy.
Out in the Desert debuts with two weekends of films, including some by Arizona filmmakers.
Glenn Scarpelli, known for his childhood film and TV roles, talks about honoring director Peter Bogdanovich. PLUS: LGBT films to be screened at Sedona.
Five films to consider for a movie night for the holiday.
The Alwun House plans its 28th annual Exotic Art Show.
Drag star will perform in Phoenix just days before starring in a new TV show.
Roddy Bottum talks about his career as an out rock star and his band's latest album, Feel the Sound.
Filmmaker Wim Wender's latest movie is a tribute to late German choreographer Pina Bausch.
Denise DeSio fictionalizes her mother's story for the novel Rose's Will.
Emily Wilcox uses letters she received as an advice columnist for a book that covers issues in lesbian relationships.
Movies selected for the Desperado Film Festival reflect the comedy and drama of LGBT life. PLUS: Festival details and the film schedule.
Matthew Ludwinski can identify with the trials of his character in the film Going Down in La-La Land.
The directors of the documentary Wish Me Away talk about following country singer Chely Wright's coming out story,
Film critic Neil Cohen gives his assessment of six of the movies to be screened at the Desperado Film Festival.
Films that deal with gender identity are a major theme at this year's film festival.
Christopher Bradley's experience as an actor helped him direct his short film, The Violation.
Musical performances are a new feature at this year's film festival.
Comedian Thai Rivera will use shows in Scottsdale as material for his first DVD.
Broadway song and dance man Gavin Creel releases Noise, a message for his brothers and sisters in the LGBT community.
An out actor in the cast of the touring company talks about how a Broadway classic speaks to issues of racism and equality.
Echo's film critic Neil Cohen lists the best and worst movies of 2011. PLUS: The Phoenix Film Critics Society makes its awards.
Miss Gay America plans a series of performances in Phoenix.
Transgender singer-songwriter hits Arizona to promote her new album, 10 Bones.
A three-woman lesbian rock band is becoming a local favorite.
Caleb Laieski is recognized for his work for safer schools, lobbying at the local, state and national levels.
Kado Stewart is the woman behind the annual OUTdoors! gay camp.
Merik Castro took on a local school board in 2011, then set his sights on the Arizona School Board Association. PLUS: More stories about youth in 2011.
A member of the touring company of Stomp says every show is different.
Cirque du Soleil pays tribute to Michael Jackson with its new show, The Immortal World Tour.
Five top local stories from 2011 include a shooting, a coming out and a community center in crisis. PLUS: Other local milestones.
Echo's managing editor found that not everyone is anxious to go on the record in 2011.
Save the date for dozens of events planned in the new year.
Community members and allies make plans for the new year
Stacey Jay Cavaliere ranks the top albums from the past year.
Humberto Bandera is dancing in Ballet Arizona's The Nutcracker, but his journey to the Phoenix stage started with an escape from Cuba.
Actress Rena Riffel writes and stars in Showgirls 2: Penny's From Heaven.
Designer Travis Smith combined his passions for holiday and mid-century design when he wrote Kitschmasland!: Christmas Décor from the 1950s to the 1970s,
Children are a big part of the holidays when Melinda Murphy and Dorian Kreiling stage Christmas at their home.
After a painful coming out, Nate Whitten's Christmas includes finding new ways to celebrate with partner Ben Burke.
Tucson writer Shannon Cain explores female protagonists living in ways that are outside the mainstream in her book of short stories, The Necessity of Certain Behaviors.
Mark Cole, the new managing director at Arizona Theatre Company talks about his life and work.
The LGBT concert band plans its second Christmas concert, which will be staged in Phoenix and Glendale.
The women's chorus will celebrate a multicultural holiday.
A holiday concert marks the emergence of a classical women's community choir.
Group gets inspiration from a TV show for a parody of the Glee holiday episode.
A downtown Phoenix hotel's rooftop venue will set the stage for a party featuring a forest of Christmas trees.
Exposed Studio & Gallery hosts a fundraiser featuring teddy bears decorated by local artists.
The drag troupe puts its spin on the holidays with its first Christmas show.
Pianist Nicole Pesce willperform seasonal favorites for a show that will benefit the church.
A Tucson chorus will present gay-themed renditions of holiday songs.
YEP! House youth and Logan's Playground will benefit from contributions of gifts and toys.
Billy Knoop opens his historic house as part of a Phoenix holiday home tour.
Neil Cohen previews seasonal shows coming to stages around the Valley. PLUS: There will be snow in the desert when White Christmas comes to ASU Gammage.
Stacey Jay Cavaliere reports on 10 new holiday albums.
The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team plays its first match in Arizona since 2000.
The Alternative Poker Tour offers games at local LGBT-friendly venues.
Bernard Uzan talks about how his Arizona Opera production is modernizing a classic.
The Agape Network and the Joshua Tree Feeding Program deal with growing needs and fewer resources. PLUS: A profile of Joshua Tree volunteer Joaquin Mota.
As the touring production comes to the Valley, a member of the Blue Man Group talks about his show.
A photographer explores sexual identity in work that also deals with the tricks that memory can play.
Actors Theatre's production of Next Fall deals with a complicated relationship between two men.
The Riviera Palm Springs is known for a past that included Hollywood stars.
Shopping, culture and nature are among the reasons to make a trip to Palm Springs.
Arizona LGBT safe schools advocate Caleb Laieski will be grand marshal of the Palm Springs Pride parade.
Before a concert in Arizona, the outspoken singer talks about her work and her causes.
Director Andrew Haigh talks about putting a subtle gay love story on film
Melissa Ferrick's songs reflect her life's highs and lows
Couple works together as owners of Phoenix coffee shop
Test your knowledge of LGBT history with this quiz
Historians say William Rufus King may have been first gay U.S. vice president
Evidence suggests James Buchanan had relationship with another man
12 stars join the list for their contributions to the community
A sampling of benefits, shows and parties for the holiday
It takes planning to transform into a character who will get noticed
Hotel San Carlos has been home to Hollywood glamour, but the historic structure also has ghost stories
Bebe Neuwirth will take the stage at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts with her one-woman show.
Palm Springs artist Gary Peterson's work takes its inspiration from needlework as it pays homage to famous artists.
Photographer Scott Pasfield's book, Gay in America, features portraits of gay men from every state in America.
The Martini Social Club brings piano bar-style entertainment to Apollo's.
Two reality TV show stars will be among those making appearances at Tucson Pride parties.
A RuPaul's Drag Race alum will make an appearance at Tucson Pride.
The southern Arizona festival features a variety of entertainment in a new venue.
The pop singer who's headlining Tucson Pride talks about his career and his future, including a possible reality TV show
The statewide LGBT civil rights organization has a sudden change of leadership.
The RoadRunner Regional Rodeo hopes to bounce back after bad weather caused low attendance last year.
Two drag queens made famous by RuPaul's Drag Race will headline a dinner concert.
Applicants are being sought for an online high school diploma program being organized by the 1n10 youth agency.
Scottsdale will be the site for the annual meeting of a Pentecostal group that caters to the LGBT community.
A 16th century European-style country fair will take visitors back in time.
Teams from around the country will compete in Volley del Sol, sponsored by the Desert Volleyball Alliance.
Pets are the main characters in a production with themes of diversity and acceptance.
Don Bivens makes marriage equality an issue in his campaign for U.S. Senate from Arizona.
A Phoenix drag performer is injured in an attack.
Chely Wright named Pride grand marshal, festival headliner
Community center to be featured in public service announcements
Unmarried couples in Flagstaff will soon be able to register as domestic partners.
Drag novices will get their own pageant when Miss Gay Arizona USofA introduces a newcomers competition.
The work of gay-straight school organizations will be recognized with the first National Gay-Straight Alliance Day.
A new scholarship at ASU is open to students who identify as LGBT.
Supporters of a bill that would extend anti-bullying protections to LGBT students plan a new strategy for the legislation that failed last year.
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Qualifying rounds are underway to find the best country karaoke singer in the Valley.
An evening for women is being planned by the local chapter of the Human Rights Campaign.
The local chapter of Lambda Car Club International will host a car show as part of a January event.
Keith Clark prepares for his first concert as artistic director of Voices of the Desert.
The Phoenix Metropolitan Men's Chorus is recording videos in support of the Trevor Project.
A short film puts the spotlight on the issue of teens and young adults who don't have a place to call home.
An LGBT family in Tucson will benefit from a Habitat for Humanity project.
Two local real estate professionals say LGBT homebuyers are among those participating in the market turnaround.
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The membership of the 1 Voice LGBT Community Center elects five new board members and re-elects three others.
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Valley clubs plan events to ring in 2012. PLUS: A New Year's Eve party in Tucson is a fundraiser for the Wingspan community center.
A program that provides food for those living with HIV/AIDS seeks a new location.
A local AIDS service organization prepares to observe its 25th anniversary in 2012.
The Rev. Patrick Stout plans to release a book based on a series of sermons he delivered at the Community Church of Hope.
Mr. Phoenix Leather 2012 will be named in January.
Phoenix Pride plans to ask for donations to the Pride Community Fund.
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Members of the Phoenix chapter of Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays will attend the group's national convention.
A golf tournament will help raise money for the Tucson LGBT community center.
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The Phoenix Tennis Alliance hosts the second annual Cactus Open.
Magellan Health Services requests proposals for an adult alcohol abuse prevention program aimed at the LGBT community.
A film about how San Francisco responded to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s will be screened in Tucson.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be screened to benefit Grand Canyon Performing Arts.
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Pianist Nicole Pesce willperform seasonal favorites for a show that will benefit the church.
By Laura Latzko
Pianist Nicole Pesce will perform holiday music and audience favorites during the annual Christmas concert at the Community Church of Hope.
The concert, titled "Magical Traditions," will be Dec. 4 at the church.
Pesce said she will play new or different versions of popular Christmas, Kwanza and Hanukah songs, including "Santa Baby," "Ave Maria," "Linus and Lucy" and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."
She said she also will play original songs such as "Amada," which was featured on a benefit album for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Pesce will be taking audience requests. She said during previous concerts, audience members have sent requests by text.
Although she sometimes uses sheet music, Pesce said she often plays songs from memory. She said she has memorized more than 12,000 songs and has written more than 300 songs.
"I find it's easier for me to focus on the music when I don't have to read," Pesce said.
Pesce's repertoire ranges from classical, jazz, opera and ragtime music to pop, country and hip hop songs. She said that she often improvises songs onstage.
"It's forcing yourself to create on the spot," Pesce said.
Pesce gained a following when she performed regularly at My Florist Café. She now performs at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix and the Carefree Resort.
The Rev. Patrick Stout, the church's pastor, said Magical Traditions holiday concerts feature laughter and untraditional entertainment. They also honor community members that have died.
Last year, a variety show benefit raised $5,000 for the church, Stout said.
Community Church of Hope plans services on Christmas Eve at 7 and 9 p.m. and on Christmas at 9 and 11 a.m. Stout will hold a candlelight vigil at Charlie's Phoenix on Christmas morning. -E
Community Church of Hope presents "Magical Traditions"
7 p.m. Dec. 4
Community Church of Hope
4121 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix
Tickets: $25
602-234-2180; www.communitychurchofhope.com